How did die become "kick the bucket," who deemed underwear to be "unmentionables," and when did "hiking the Appalachian trail" mean you were having an affair? Once used to avoid blasphemy, honor taboos, and generally make nice, euphemisms have become embedded in the fabric of our language, says Ralph Keyes—we really do seem to love them. As much social commentary as a book for word lovers, Euphemania is a lively and thought-provoking look at the power of words and our power over them.

"Fascinating! If you think you already know how we human beings shape language to create the kind of relationships we want, wait until you read Euphemania. Ralph Keyes opens the reader to a new world of thoughtfulness, embarrassment, manipulation, and even criminality through euphemisms. While much of the book is just plain funny, one cannot help but develop a new respect for the complexity of our language and for our amazing inventiveness as we cope with every imaginable situation by avoiding the truth. An engrossing, amusing and highly informative read."—Richard Farson